It is one of the most common questions we hear from parents: “My child has flat feet—is this normal?” The short answer is usually yes. Most babies are born with flat feet, and their arches develop gradually throughout childhood. However, there are times when pediatric flat feet require professional attention.
Flexible vs. Rigid Flat Feet
Understanding the type of flat feet your child has is the first step:
- Flexible Flat Feet: If an arch appears when your child stands on their tiptoes or sits with their feet dangling, they have flexible flat feet. This is very common, often painless, and usually outgrown.
- Rigid Flat Feet: If the arch remains flat whether the child is sitting, standing, or on their tiptoes, they have a rigid flat foot. This condition is more likely to cause problems and warrants a podiatric evaluation.
Signs Your Child Needs to See a Podiatrist
While flat feet alone aren’t always a problem, you should schedule a visit to Hoyal Podiatry if your child experiences any of the following:
- Complaints of foot, ankle, knee, or lower back pain.
- Frequent tripping, clumsiness, or difficulty keeping up with peers during play.
- Uneven wear on the soles of their shoes.
- A reluctance to participate in sports or physical activities.
Treatment Options
If treatment is necessary, surgery is rarely the first step. Depending on the severity, our pediatric podiatry team may recommend supportive footwear, stretching exercises, or custom orthotics designed specifically for your child’s developing feet.
